Offices could be turned into short-term let flats

PLANS to transform a prominent office block in Newcastle city centre into more than 130 short-stay apartments could be approved this week.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

A developer is hoping to mount a major overhaul of the 1970s-built Cathedral Square building, at the centre of the Bigg Market.

Monument Real Estate wants to convert the largely vacant site, which houses businesses including Simply Greek and Revolucion de Cuba on its ground floor, into 135 short-term let flats. The proposals could see a three-storey extension built on top of the building and another section of the existing property, which protrudes on to the Cloth Market, demolished.

Newcastle City Council’s planning committee will consider the redevelopment at a meeting on Friday, where the designs are being recommended for approval. The prospect of new housing being brought into the heart of one of the city centre's busiest and rowdiest areas has, however, sparked concern from surrounding bars that open into the early hours.